Invisalign FAQs

This series of clear, custom-fitted aligners help to straighten your teeth without brackets or metal wires. 

During the consultation process, we use advanced 3D computer imaging technology to develop a treatment plan based on your unique smile. 

Your own series of custom clear aligners will then be made to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. 

As your treatment progresses, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments. You'll need to wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the series. 

The process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected, prescribed positions. Your dentist will determine the duration of your Invisalign treatment, based on your specific needs. 

Based on your specific needs, your dentist will determine how long your Invisalign treatment should last. 

Factors that may impact the duration of your treatment include the shape of your bite, the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, and the amount of movement needed to correct the problem. 

Your Invisalign aligners will be constructed with BPA-free, USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. 

Invisalign aligners won't need any tightening or adjustments — you'll just need to switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will book brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks. 

At these appointments, your dentist will review your progress and overall oral health, answer your questions and adjust your treatment as needed. 

The features of Invisalign include:

• Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
• Do not require adjustment appointments
• Smooth construction for enhanced comfort 
• A discreet, low profile appearance

Depending on the severity of your case and the duration of your treatment, cost may vary. For example, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll require and the more your treatment will cost. 

In many cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). 

You may find that Invisalign fits your lifestyle very comfortably. 

You'll be able to remove your aligners whenever you need to drink, eat, brush and floss. This means absolutely no dietary restrictions, and brushing and flossing will be just as easy as ever. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat. As a result, you'll have no dietary restrictions with Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you'll love. 

We recommend removing your clear aligners when you consume beverages such as coffee, wine or dark sodas to avoid staining them. 

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, the answer to this question will change. 

Only your dentist will be able to provide an accurate assessment of how many aligners you will require, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during your initial consultation. 

Yes! Anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign. 

We are seeing more adults choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part due to the availability of options such as Invisalign. 

Yes! Teens can absolutely be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, a line of Invisalign aligners has been created to meet teenagers' unique needs. 

On Invisalign Teen aligners, you'll find compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for two full weeks) to help teens stick to their prescribed treatment. 

The aligners also come with eruption tabs, which leave space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.

Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.

Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to wash away dry saliva and plaque that can result in dental decay and bad breath.

Soak your aligners using denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.

Clean your aligners with a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.

Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.

However, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.

You'll also want to invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.

Yes! Simply remove your aligners to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.

Your Invisalign aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to keep them safe.